Example
“His speech was entirely off the cuff, yet it was the best of the evening.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
on the fly
Neutral · CEFR B2
while something is happening, without prior preparation
play it by ear
Informal · CEFR B2
To deal with a situation as it develops rather than following a fixed plan.
the gift of the gab
Informal · CEFR B2
the ability to speak persuasively and fluently
by the seat of your pants
Informal · CEFR C1
to do something by instinct and improvisation rather than by plan
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.